Can You Freeze Truffles?

Last updated on August 17th, 2022 at 09:26 pm

Truffles are one of the culinary delights of Italian food. They are highly sought after for their unique taste, aroma, and rarity. 

A truffle is actually the fruiting body of a subterranean fungus. Now, eating a fungus doesn’t sound very appetizing but truffles are well-known for how good they taste. 

Truffles are thought of with high regard and used by chefs all across the world especially in Europe. If you come across some of these delicacies, you most likely want to save them to enjoy later on. 

To store truffles, can you freeze them?

It is recommended that you do not freeze truffles because this can result in loss of flavor and texture although it can be done.

Truffles are quite expensive because of their rarity ( about $2.50 per gram). They are mainly found in Italy and grow completely underground in the root systems of certain trees. 

The fact that they need specific soil, moisture, among other things to grow makes them difficult to cultivate and domesticate into a manageable crop. So, because they are hard to find and grow, they are expensive. 

When storing truffles you should avoid moisture and place it in tissue paper in a breathable container or freezer bag (removing all the air) at room temperature. 

Store the prized possession in a dark space changing the tissue paper daily. This will help with the moisture buildup and will keep the aroma smelling good. You can also store the truffle in its container on the top shelf in your refrigerator. 

Always be sure to store the truffle alone. Storing alone will help it to retain its flavor and not take on any new flavor from other food. 

It isn’t recommended to store truffles in the freezer to save it, but if you do so correctly you can. It won’t taste as good as fresh truffles but you will be able to preserve it for months. 

To freeze truffles just wipe them clean and put them in an airtight container or freezer bag just like how you would usually store them. Only this time put them in the freezer to keep them long-term. 

When you are ready to eat the truffle it is going to taste different than when it was fresh, so be prepared for this if you are going to freeze it.  By knowing how to store a truffle, if you come across one of these rarities, you will do so safely so it stays fresh.

How Long Do Truffles Last In The Freezer? 

If you want to enjoy fresh truffles at their best, they should be eaten within 4 to 5 days. This is if you are keeping them in the refrigerator or in a dark pantry safely secure in an airtight container. 

 If you want to save them for longer than this, try freezing them.

Frozen truffles will last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Up to this time they will still be good but their texture or flavor will change because of the freezing process.

The taste of a truffle is unique. Toscana Divino  describes what a  truffle tastes like in their article 

What Exactly are Truffles? 

They state that,  “Some may describe the taste of black truffles as a mixture of chocolaty, nutty and earthy and others may describe it as having a subtle woody flavor mixed with a slight mushroom taste.” 

They continue, “The region where a truffle is harvested from plays a large role in the taste. White truffles carry a slightly different taste and aroma. They are often described as having a slight garlicky flavor similar to shallots with a deep musky aroma. 

The pungent aroma and subtle flavor can turn any traditional dish into a gourmet taste experience. As said before, truffles have the unique ability to enhance savory and even sweet dishes to gourmet status.”

These special treats can be stored in the freezer for 6 months until you want to use them. Keep in mind that it will taste different because freezing truffles will result in loss of flavor and will affect the texture of the fungi. 

When stored correctly in an airtight container or freezer bag and removing all the air, your truffle should last for a while. When you’re ready to use the truffles, they are best shaved or grated from their frozen state.

The warmth of the food you are putting them on will thaw them just fine.

Are Frozen Truffles Any Good?  

When you have more truffles than you know what to do with, you will want to store them to use later. Now that you know you can freeze truffles, you may be asking the question, are frozen truffles any good?

Frozen truffles are still good after they are frozen but their texture and flavor will have changed some because of the freezing process. Truffles that have been frozen wont taste as good as when they were fresh.

When freezing a truffle, it is important to do it the right way to keep them as good as possible. 

Follow the tips mentioned in this article on how to freeze truffles properly. Avoid moisture and freeze the truffles the right way to keep them tasting as good as possible. 

Over time, freezing truffles will result in them not tasting as good, but if you don’t mind that’s all that matters. You can use frozen truffles shaved or grated on top of your food. 

There is no need to thaw them because the warmth of the food will thaw the truffle.

Speaking of topping food with a truffle, let’s go over a few of the ways this rare fungus is used. Truffles can be used for base dishes like making sauces, in soups, or ice cream or even truffle butter. They can also be shaved over pasta, added to scrambled eggs, omelettes, risotto, etc. 

There is even truffle oil that is a combination of truffle extract with olive oil to be drizzled over pasta, risotto salad, used in salad dressings and sauces. 

In the end, you can put truffles on anything you choose.

Final Thoughts

If you have come across some truffles you are probably excited to have a food that is rare and delicious. Truffles are pretty expensive and even though they are fungi, they taste amazing on pasta and anything you want to put them on. 

You can freeze truffles to preserve them for later. While truffles last for about 6 months frozen, over time they will lose some of their flavor and texture. After they are frozen, the truffle will not taste the same as the fresh ones and this is why some recommend not freezing them at all. 

But if you want to keep the truffles long term you can do so by freezing them. Now, you can enjoy your rare delicacy of truffles for weeks or months after you have acquired them.